Tentatively, Levi suggested, "Mr. Scott Anderson, I thought that if she feels more respect from you, she will probably be more certain."
Scott sneered and gestured to Levi to leave.
As usual, Scott and Brianna went back to Home for Sol after work. While Brianna was busy cooking in the kitchen, Scott was watching the news in the living room. Scott's phone rang, and it was Jacob. "Hey, Scott. What time are you coming? We are all here now."
"I'm not going," Scott said plainly.
"Scott, you haven't been out since I can't remember when. I guess you are at home now? She surely knows how to keep you home!" Jacob complained.
Scott was at first annoyed by Jacob's comment, but as he watched Brianna and thought about it, he suddenly realized that it was true that since he got married, he had lost interest in going out at night. He was actually content being home.
Has she actually changed me?! He thought and hated the thought itself. No way! No one can change me, especially her! He suddenly got up and intended to go out. However, just as he reached the door, Brianna asked, "Scott, do you feel like Mexican or Italian tonight?"
Scott stopped, turned around, and saw Brianna standing by the kitchen door, looking at him with her big innocent eyes. He could hear the voice in his head telling him that he should go to meet his friends, but somehow, he replied, "How about French?"
"French? Sure." Brianna smiled. "Are you going out?"
"I, err, I'm just going for a walk."
"I see. Dinner should be ready in an hour."
Scott went out to the garden, knitting his brows. He was surprised and annoyed by his own response. Why didn't I tell her the truth?! Why did I stay?! For her cooking?
***
Scott sat down by the table. It was another meal beautifully prepared and presented, but when Scott saw the mini house carved out of a melon, he frowned, recalling the fact that he had chosen to stay at home instead of going out to meet his friends.
Brianna noticed and asked worriedly, "What's the matter?"
"It's an ugly house," Scott commented unkindly.
"Oh. I'm sorry." Brianna was shocked and said apologetically, "I just thought it might give a homely feel."
Scott took a quick glance at her and said nothing. Displeased, he didn't eat much. Brianna couldn't help taking a look at him every now and then, wondering why he would suddenly seem so upset.
Suddenly Scott spoke. "You can't keep your eyes off me, can you? Tell me what's in your cheeky mind."
"Huh? No, nothing." Brianna was startled, being caught.
"Then, you are simply charmed by me?"
"I..." Brianna muttered, trying to deny, but she failed to think of a good retort and rolled her eyes speechlessly.
Seeing her helpless look, Scott found her rather cute and seemed to feel better. "Brianna, you seem to be good at many things. What can't you do?"
"Oh, there're plenty of things that I can't do."
"For example?"
Brianna gave it a thought and said, "I can't swim, and I can't..."
"You can't swim?!" Scott exclaimed.
Brianna pouted her lips and shook her head. "No."
Scott was half convinced. "Put your swimsuit on and meet me at the rooftop pool at eight-thirty."
"Swimsuit? But I can't swim."
"Are you saying no to my invitation?" Scott said sternly.
"I will be there," Brianna replied obediently though reluctantly.
After dinner, Brianna went back to her room and started going through the Anderson Corporation's jewelry marketing plan while taking notes.
She started to feel a bit anxious as it got closer to their meeting time. She picked a swimsuit that was the least revealing from the closet and put it on.
She was amazed as she looked around the rooftop, with a huge swimming pool in the middle, a bar on the side, and benches and plants around. Fairy lights adorned the fences. There was a tall glass roof above the pool, but it was now open, and one could see the starry sky clearly.
On a table by the pool were two glasses of red wine and some desserts. In the clear water, Brianna spotted Scott swimming beautifully. She stood there and watched, amazed, yet at the same time feeling a bit awkward.
After a while, Scott got out of the pool, revealing his perfect figure generously. "Any thoughts on the jewelry project?" he asked casually.
"Huh?" Brianna was too amazed and didn't realize that she had been gazing at Scott and that her heart was beating fast.
Scott chuckled and winked at her, "Charmed again?"
Bashfully, Brianna blushed and looked away. "Sorry, I was thinking of err...something else. What did you say just now?"
"Any thoughts on the jewelry project?" Scott repeated.
Brianna looked up at the stars and the reflection of the lights on the water. "I think we can have two different themes, one simple, elegant, with the elements of nature, like the stars and the moon; the other lively and playful and even strange."
Scott looked at her thoughtfully.
"Lack of innovation and creativity? Not unique enough?" Brianna asked, feeling a bit awkward being looked at and adjusted the corner of her swimsuit shyly.
"Is it your own idea, or did you copy it from somewhere else?"
"My own idea. If you don't like it, I will think of something else. I mean, to be honest, I have never designed any jewelry. I have no experience, but I think I can learn fast." Brianna explained.
Scott smiled. "You do have a talent in design. Do you think you can give me a draft of both themes in five days? Make it a bit more specific. Just draw up one design of each theme for now."
"So, so, you like both themes?" Brianna stared in disbelief.
"It's still too early to decide. I will speak to the other members and see if they like both or which they prefer."
Brianna's face lit up. "Thanks, Scott." She said sincerely.